04 390DA HT vs 03 420DA Non-HT

copb8tx

copb8tx

Well-Known Member
SILVER Sponsor
Jan 26, 2008
2,840
Highland Village, TX/Port Richey, FL
Boat Info
SOLD 2005 420 DA w/T-8.1S Horizons
Engines
2018 Sea Hunt 255se w/Yamaha 300hp
Here's the question, I'm looking at an '04 390 DA Hardtop w/120hrs vs. a '03 420DA Non-Hardtop with 220 hours.

Same money, same motors (8.1 Gas) and same condition. I like the extra size and beam of the 420 but don't necessary 'need' it. Likewise, having a second head and hard-door enclosed mid cabin is nice but we don't have that many guests staying over.

What are your thoughts?
 
I'd say that 420DA GAS is a very rare boat. I would pass on it. Besides loosing benefits of diesel engines think of resale.
 
Personally I would go with the 390 - it's newer and has the hard top - I think that would be a nicer feature and better for resale down the road (assuming comparable equipment & condition).
 
Hi,
My '05 340DA with 8.1s burns 35 gals per hour at 3400rpm for about 22Kts.
I would esitate getting either of those boats with gas engines. You would really be pushing the envelope. I would bet you would be burning over 40 gals / hour on the big one.
 
In boating bigger is always better. Go with the 420. If it is the same money I would not hesitate. They weigh about the same and will perform about the same with those motors. Don't pay attention to the published displacement figures. That 390 sundancer with the hardtop is only about 700 lbs lighter than the 420 that does not have a hardtop. You will burn 32 gals per hour at 21 to 23 mph with either boat. I have put hundreds of hours on those boats while captaining them over the last 7 years.

Hope this helps
 
You will burn 32 gals per hour at 21 to 23 mph with either boat. [/quote said:
I find that very hard to believe. Boats that size with gas engines would burn more than that correct?
Click to expand...
 
2K WINGIN' IT said:
I find that very hard to believe. Boats that size with gas engines would burn more than that correct?
Click to expand...

My smaller, older 350 burns about 34-36 gph running 22-23 mpg. Of course this is an older hull with pockets, and carb'd engines as well. Newer one that much better?
 
From a space persective you can not compare the 2 boats - however the 44 with gas AND no hard top is really a tough sell down the road (there are several late models on line and none of them have moved for a year now, even with the hard top) - the 390 with gas will burn 36 gph at a high cruise (have a friend with the same boat), and although not the preferred engine package, may have a slight edge on resale. If you truly know you dont need the space, you may want to go 39 with the hard top.
 
Anyone know the LWL and weight difference btwn these boats? If the 390 is shorter and lighter, I'd go with that one. They are both sexy beasts but you'll strain the engines less AND you've got a hardtop AND it's newer AND it's not as much of an oddball boat (420 with gas will be more likely to get passed over come resale time).
 
Please remember boattest typically run the boat empty, 1/4 fuel, no water no waste minimal gear and 2 people on board. Load the boat down and watch the fuel consumption skyrocket on a 40' or 42' boat with gas engines.
 
Thanks for all the input guys.

After a lot of sole searching I passed on the 420 non-HT. I made a 'optimistic' offer on another 420 harttop boat but that didn't fly. I don't think I can get a freshwater 420HT in the condition I want for the $'s I'm willing to spend.

I'm pretty sure I'll end up with a 390 HT. It really is surprising how much cooler it is under the HT compared to canvas, and here in Texas that's pretty important.

I find it very surprising that a 420 non-HT is only 700lbs heavier than a 390 HT. With 3 feet in length and a foot in the beam it looks much bigger and heavier.
 
Good choice, sort of. There are 2 things to run away from in a 420. No hard top and gas engines.

The same goes for the 390 for me, but not for everyone.
 
bluebelly said:
You will burn 32 gals per hour at 21 to 23 mph with either boat. I have put hundreds of hours on those boats while captaining them over the last 7 years.

Hope this helps
Click to expand...

Totally scoff (politely).
 
Hampton said:
Totally scoff (politely).
Click to expand...


Why is it so hard to believe?

Today, I just took a 40 dancer (gas) for a 21 mile round trip, and while not necessarily accurate, the smartcraft gave me a reading of 33 gph turning 22 mph. Fresh water, calm conditions, half fuel and clean bottom. These results are consistent with what I experienced with the 380, 400, 420, 40, 44 dancer models over the last few years. I must admit that even the slightest amount of marine growth on the bottom changes things drastically for the worst.
 
What are you looking to spend on a Hardtop 420? I know of a very clean freshwater one.
 
If it fits your pocket book go with the hrad top. This economy is still shaky and the new design will be best for resale. Actual burn to expect w/ 8.1's, we are at 31.8 gph @ 21.5 knots, full tanks, 1/4 qaurter water, family 4 pob, 11 foot dink /w 15 on back, and four super soakers.
 
My buddy has that boat and gets 19mph at that fuel burn. I have those engines and get the numbers you quoted, verified over a 3 1/2 year period and 300 hours of use - in a 340 (maybe a little faster).
 
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